In today’s fast‑paced world, regaining or enhancing mobility is key to reclaiming independence and confidence. Whether exploring prosthetics or orthotics for the first time or updating your current device, this article guides you through our comprehensive process. Discover how expert care and innovative technology combine to create a tailored experience. This ensures a seamless transition from consultation to receiving a custom‑made device.
Step 1: Your Initial Consultation
Whether you’re receiving a device for the first time or updating your current one, your journey begins with an in‑depth consultation. During this visit, we will conduct a formal assessment where we will ascertain all necessary information. This will include learning your story, lifestyle, and mobility goals. We will gather all the information needed to create your ideal device.
- Patient History and Goals: We discuss your medical background, current mobility challenges, and what you hope to achieve. These functional goals can consist of alleviating pain, enhancing mobility, reducing falls, or assistance with certain physical tasks
- Lifestyle Assessment: It is important to conduct a thorough lifestyle assessment so that a prosthesis or orthosis can be constructed that meets your physical needs. We strive to dig deeper and ask a comprehensive range of questions so that we can positively determine what the orthopedic goals are. We would hate to provide a device that has inappropriate function due to specific requirements that are not achieved with the device.
- Treatment Plan: After conducting a formal assessment, we will explain to you what is the most appropriate device. The practitioner should be able to explain the various features of the prosthesis or orthosis that allow you to meet your functional goals. The practitioner should be able to go into detail about the structure of the orthosis and prosthetics and how it will foster proper biomechanics for function and gait.
- Setting Expectations: It is important to note that sometimes prosthetics and orthotics do not wholly replace the function that was lost by orthopedic impairment and deformity. Sometimes an orthosis will restrict movement of a joint to provide stability, alleviate pain, facilitate healing, or prevent further deformity. For this reason certain activities may be outside the realm of possibilities even with a prosthesis or orthosis. We guarantee that our staff will be open and honest about their expected prognosis with you, the patient.
- Measurements and Casting
Once we’ve gathered all necessary information regarding your current functional limitations and anticipated goals we will begin the process of measuring and taking a fiberglass impression. Some of the tools we will use during this process include measuring tape, calipers, fiberglass, casting tape, and indelible markers. It is routine for the clinician to mark bony prominences and pressure sensitive areas with the marker so that modifications can be done to the positive mold later to ensure device comfort.
Step 2: Device Fabrication
Plaster Mold Creation and Modification:
- A moulding plaster mixture with water is created and the fiberglass impression that was previously taken is filled with the mixture. The indelible markings made on the limb that were recorded with the fiberglass cast will now be transferred to the plaster mold. Depending on the amount of relief needed for pressure sensitive areas, a buildup of an ⅛”, ¼” or ½” can be applied to the bony prominences and pressure sensitive areas marked with indelible. Other buildups are applied as needed. To provide appropriate support and stability pressure tolerant areas may be reduced to allow for a tighter fit.
Material Selection:
- Different materials are selected based on the device, patient function, patient weight and their needs. Some materials include lightweight plastics, carbon-fiber braids, pre-preg carbon fiber, foams, composites, leather, poron, neoprene. When selecting materials we are always thinking about your safety.
Hand‑Crafted Assembly:
- Skilled technicians build your device step by step: laminating, thermoforming,shaping, cutting, and post processing your device. They also are skilled at putting all necessary parts and components together. For example a prosthesis may require the prosthetic socket to be attached to a prosthetic knee which is attached to the foot through other components. Some orthotics may require a joint which connects two or more parts of the brace together.
Step 3: The Fitting/Delivery Appointment
Whether it’s your first time trying on a prosthesis/orthosis or an adjustment to a previously received device, we make it our goal to ensure the fit is comfortable, supportive, and providing appropriate function
Fit Check & Adjustments:
- During this appointment you’ll try on the device and give us your honest feedback. After we have received your feedback and personally inspected the fit we will make adjustments as needed. Some of these adjustments may include trimming edges, reshaping pads, and tightening straps. It is important that a device fits tight to ensure there is support and the removal of friction. It is important that the device is not too tight because it puts the patient at an increased risk for skin breakdown due to excessive pressure.
Fitting Process
- Gait Analysis: If the device is designed to facilitate walking, we will observe your movement with the prosthesis or orthosis. We will refine the alignment of your device as needed to enhance balance and reduce strain.
- Patient Feedback: Your insights will guide us to make essential tweaks to your device. These can include a strap adjustment or padding modification. We want to ensure that you have confidence with every step.
Step 4: Rehabilitation and Training
Fitting is just the beginning of your journey, whether it’s your first device or a newly adjusted one. Our comprehensive rehabilitation and training programs help you build strength, balance, and independence with your device.
Tailored Rehabilitation Programs
- Physical Therapy Partnership: We collaborate with expert PTs to create personalized exercise regimens focused on strength, flexibility, and endurance.
- At‑Home Practice: We will strive to provide or find therapists who can provide clear guides and video tutorials to continue progress between clinic visits.
- Ongoing Adjustments: Follow‑up appointments ensure your device evolves with your changing body, function, and activity level.
Celebrating Milestones
- Progress Tracking: We encourage you to record achievements. These may include milestones like increased walking distance or tackling a new activity.
- Community Support: We encourage you to join fellow patients in sharing stories and tips that inspire and motivate each other.
Conclusion
Your journey to choose us for your initial consultation is the first step in advocating for your health and well being. You will be exposed to cutting‑edge technology, and a supportive team dedicated to your success. Each phase of the process which includes assessment, design, fitting, and rehabilitation will be conducted professionally and with you solely in mind. It is our mission to put our patients first and provide orthotics and prosthetics that meet your needs and allow you to feel empowered and capable.